[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 16 (Tuesday, January 28, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E133]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         TRIBUTE TO DAVE OSTER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 28, 2014

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an 
individual whose dedication and contributions to the community are 
exceptional. Lake Elsinore has been fortunate to have dynamic and 
dedicated community leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their 
time and talent and make their communities better places to live and 
work. Dave Oster is one of these individuals. On January 25, 2014, Dave 
will be honored as the 2013 ``Citizen of the Year'' at the Lake 
Elsinore Chamber of Commerce Instalation and Awards Gala.
  Dave was born and raised in the small town of Mantua, OH, where the 
friendly and respectful nature of the community created a family-like 
atmosphere. Dave grew up watching his father establish a successful 
career in human resources, and soon, his work ethic and values were 
formed. Growing up, Dave developed his passion for America's favorite 
pastime, baseball, and found himself consistently holding a leadership 
position as captain for many of his teams. Dave went on to graduate 
high school and attend Bowling Green State University and later Ohio 
Northern University, where he earned his degree in sports management. 
He was honored with his first leadership award, the Clyde A. Lamb 
Award, during his senior year at Ohio Northern.
  Dave's thriving career in sports began when he interned for the 
Cleveland Force, a renowned soccer team based in Ohio. His first job 
out of college followed suit, as he became the General Manager for the 
minor league baseball team, the Geneva Cubs. Dave became involved in 
every facet of the organization, from concessions to clean up, and he 
established an environment of success and fun. Dave quickly learned how 
to grow a business and manage a staff, eventually leading him to win 
the John H. Johnson Award for team recognition and running of an 
organization.
  After 4 years with the Geneva Cubs, Dave took his talent and drive to 
Delaware, where he began his job as Assistant General Manager for the 
Wilmington Blue Rocks minor league team. During a time when the 
organization was just beginning, Dave used his skills and expertise to 
help build the franchise from the ground up. He made sure the community 
saw every game as a ``must-attend'' event, and grew attendance from 800 
to 6,000 fans, virtually selling out every home game. Dave soon made 
another move, ending up in Salem, VA, where he was promoted to General 
Manager of the Salem Avalanche. For all of his hard work, he was 
honored with the Executive of the Year award for the Carolina League.
  Following his success on the East Coast, Dave took a huge leap of 
faith, and moved out West, where he found his new home with the Lake 
Elsinore Storm as the Owner and President. His contributions as a 
leader in the area resulted in huge economic growth and community 
involvement. For this, he was once again honored with the Executive of 
the Year Award in the California League. Aside from the tremendous work 
he has done to create success with The Storm, above all, he is most 
proud of the family he has found in the staff, and the passion he has 
for the community, the players and the franchise. 2013 marked Dave's 
25th year in professional sports, and his 14th season with the Lake 
Elsinore Storm.
  Dave is most known as an effective leader with a natural ability to 
organize the efforts and goodwill of others. He is an enthusiastic team 
builder who enjoys encouraging creativity in the staff that he leads. 
Considering all that Dave has done for Lake Elsinore, the Lake Elsinore 
Chamber of Commerce named him their 2013 Citizen of the Year. Dave's 
tireless passion for service has contributed immensely to the 
betterment of our community. He has been the heart and soul of many 
organizations and events and I am proud to call him a fellow community 
member, American, and friend. I know that many community members are 
grateful for his service and salute him as he receives this prestigious 
award.

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